Life is hard. It's tough. And frustratingly unpredictable. It often seems that as soon as you feel like you've got a good grasp on things, something goes left. That feeling that you're constantly pushing through an obstacle or some struggle can be painful, challenging, and really exhausting. I've had those moments more than I can count. They left me overwhelmed by frustration, feeling uninspired, and wondering how to turn things around. The one thing that I've learned in overcoming those rough times is to always be GRATEFUL.
"We confine ourselves to paths we designate in our minds without considering any alternate routes."
-S.D. Brim
It took a long time for me to learn that even in the midst of struggles, there's always something to be grateful for. There was a time when I had no job, no money, and a lot of uncertainty. I had to sell all of the things that mattered so much to me. I sold all of my home studio equipment and it felt like I was selling my dreams. I didn't want to start over again, but I knew I had to do whatever I could so that I could pay my bills. Throughout the process, I began to understand gratitude. I became grateful just to have those things to sell. As bad as things were, they could always be much worse. I realized that all those things were just that things- all replaceable. And that selling them wasn't getting rid of the dream, instead it was positioning me to receive greater. Detaching myself from everything that I thought I had to have not only strengthened me, but it taught me to look past what's right in front of me and focus on the bigger picture. So much of the time we confine ourselves to paths we designate in our minds without considering any alternate routes.
Allowing our hearts to become bitter because things haven't worked out the way we planned or remaining focused on what we haven't done yet traps us. It keeps us stagnant. This doesn't mean you suppress your feelings and pretend everything is great. But it does mean your mindset has to shift. Instead of focusing on what you don't have, be grateful for what you do have today. Sometimes we get lost in the big things we feel we're lacking and take for granted the everyday things in life- the start of a new day, the love of family and friends, our home, our health, etc.
The more you dwell on what you don't have, the more bitter you will become. Do not allow bitterness to block your blessings. You can't give yourself fully to your goals if you are carrying so much negative emotion.
When I get in those moments where I start having self-pity, I remind myself what God has brought me through. I reflect on all those times where things didn't turn out the way I wanted them to, but still I was able to overcome them. Every circumstance has taught me a lesson and a reminder that I'm growing. You can't grow without opposition and you can't succeed without failure.
Allowing our hearts to become bitter because things haven't worked out the way we planned or remaining focused on what we haven't done yet traps us. It keeps us stagnant. This doesn't mean you suppress your feelings and pretend everything is great. But it does mean your mindset has to shift. Instead of focusing on what you don't have, be grateful for what you do have today. Sometimes we get lost in the big things we feel we're lacking and take for granted the everyday things in life- the start of a new day, the love of family and friends, our home, our health, etc.
"Do not allow bitterness to block your blessings."
-S.D. Brim
The more you dwell on what you don't have, the more bitter you will become. Do not allow bitterness to block your blessings. You can't give yourself fully to your goals if you are carrying so much negative emotion.
When I get in those moments where I start having self-pity, I remind myself what God has brought me through. I reflect on all those times where things didn't turn out the way I wanted them to, but still I was able to overcome them. Every circumstance has taught me a lesson and a reminder that I'm growing. You can't grow without opposition and you can't succeed without failure.
Challenge Every Perception
Sharonda
Brandi, Thank you so much for that! ❤️
Brandi
😢😢 let the Lord keep using you. Words carry power, they reach the heart and soul!! Love you Chica!!!